Absolutely worth it even at 23 years old
The turbo just went out.
The headliner is falling.
The coverings on the glove compartment and below it's adhesives are going out.
The turbo just went out! That's 23 years of fantastic service.
It's a four cylinder with quite a kick.
It's very roomy.
Lots of trunk space.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 23rd July, 2009
Great
1987 Volvo GLE Sedan (146,500 miles)
In terms of mileage, my 740 is an infant, its age is ire regardless.
The Volvo 740 series is hands down one of the greatest automobiles of all time. It’s understandable that Volvo had to stop making the 740. They practically last forever and for those of us that appreciate this amazing car; there is no need to go and buy a new Volvo. The one I have is just fine - thank you very much! The 740 (normally aspirated) is a simple, robust and easily maintained vehicle. You can’t say that of the current generation of Volvos nor for a lot of other cars - both of modern and past times.
It’s always fun to have new passengers in my 740. They are thrown off by the driver/passenger seatbelts that spool from the bottom and not the door pillar and of course the completely logical (but bizarre to the uninitiated) interior door handles. Heated seats in an ancient (by modern standards) vehicle also make for a good conversation. And let’s not forget the leather upholstery that you can practically butt a cigarette out on without leaving a single mark.
People are almost always shocked when I tell them its 20 years old. Call me biased, but the 740 still looks “modern” even by today’s standards. You really just have to just laugh when you pass a car not even half its age and its blowing smoke out of the tailpipe and the body panels are rusting out.
I can’t really say I have had any complaints with my 1987 740 GLE sedan. The only recent trauma was having the A/C compressor lock up (not fun when its 92 degrees outside and you smell the burning drive belt). I had it replaced - the A/C system converted to R134a and all is fine now. A/C is a luxury in a car of this age and in no way detracts from the reliability of the mechanical perfection of the B230F engine assembly. I had to have the overdrive solenoid replaced too, but it was relatively inexpensive.
If Volvo decided to introduce this same exact model today, I would be the first in line to buy one. Not because my 740 isn’t great, but because it would have that “new car smell” again
Modern economics have dictated that our vehicular transportation be “disposable” and only meant to last for so long. The Volvo 740 completely defies this logic and alas we are doomed to either buy new cars or continue to keep our Swedish Bricks on the road. I for one choose the latter option!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 2nd July, 2007
This is a safe heavy car with strong value
The steering got a little sloppy after 150000 so I got that fixed. That was about $1200.00 and wasn't really necessary, but certainly tightened the steering considerably.
The tailights had to be replaced once. They stick out so if you back into something they break. $450.00. They also retain moisture, so if you live in a rainy climate, you should drill some discreet holes in the light assemblies at the bottom for drainage of moisture.
The sunroof was half open and ripped out and blew away when driving through a deep canyon in exceptionally windy conditions.
The alternator went out. Then bought an after market alternator. Big mistake. Went out three times and they replaced with a Bosch alternator. Only use genuine Volvo parts for this car and only take it to someone exceptionally familiar with Volvo repair.
Overheated one time in 1992, and belts broke once. Replace the timing belt every time you have that area open, such as changing alternator, or every 50000.
There was a relay behind the dash that caused the car to stutter and seem like a transmission problem when the air conditioner or defroster was on. This relay is the most likely cause and you should suggest it before the repairman experiments any further on solutions for that problem.
An exceptional value. If you find one of these models used that is clean and has a maintenance record and low miles, you can't go wrong. It is a world class auto that is inexpensive to maintain in the long haul. I spent more money maintaining my 1982 Chevy Cavalier than I did with this car. Look at such a purchase for the long term. Be patient. Sometimes repairs can come all at once and parts are expensive, but then not any more repairs for years and years. Built like a Russian army tank, I slammed the doors open on concrete pillars many times and it never dented.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 8th November, 2006
5th Jul 2007, 07:54
Well written review, and I couldn't agree more.
My Volvo '88 740 Sedan has about the same mileage as yours and I can see no reason for it not to last another 20 years.
Spare parts are basically found at every gas station here in Sweden so service and repairs are cheap too.